Admissions

The Department of Chemical and Systems Biology admits Ph.D. students through the Stanford Biosciences Program, which spans the Schools of Medicine and Humanities & Sciences.
All applicants are required to use Stanford’s online application. The Stanford Biosciences website also provides information on specific training programs and the admissions process.

Application deadline

Autumn 2017 Ph.D. applications, including supporting documents, must be received by December 1, 2016.

Application Requirements

U.S. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (foreign transcripts must be certified)

Application fee of $125 (non-refundable)

Graduate application

Statement of purpose

Three letters of recommendation

Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you attended for one year or more must be uploaded to the online application. In addition, two official transcripts should be mailed directly to the Biosciences Admissions Office. Official transcripts are not required for the December 1 deadline.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test score (required for non-native English speakers)

General Admissions Information

The Stanford Biosciences Admissions Office, not the Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, processes applications for the Ph.D. program. All materials should be uploaded electronically to the online application. Please arrange to have official transcripts mailed directly to the Biosciences Admission Office:

Certified electronic transcripts or other official electronic application materials should be sent to biosci@stanford.edu.

Application Review and Interview Process

After the submission deadline, the Admissions Committee for the Department of Chemical and Systems Biology will select candidates to attend a three-day interview weekend scheduled for March 1 – March 4, 2017. For international students who are unable to attend, a phone or Skype interview can be scheduled with the committee. Please note that the Biosciences Admissions Office will be closed December 21, 2016 through January 3, 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about graduate admissions and student life can be found on this FAQ page. Additional inquiries can be directed to: